Committee of Management

The CEC consists of a committee of 9 volunteer representatives from our member groups. The DSE (Department of Sustainability and the Environment) in the management body and has overall responsibility for the public land, but has nominated the CEC as its representative in the day to day operation and protection of the nominated parcels of public land.

 

All public land managed by the CEC has been classified as “protected for conservation values”, and is not strictly “open for public use” due to the sensitive nature of the native habitat and species which is threatened on these sites.

 

The following is an extract from the DPI web site in relation to Committees of Management and their responsibilities in relation to public land management.

 

Crown land reserves have historically been managed by committees of management. This system of administration has evolved to include community groups, councils and statutory bodies. Importantly, members of the public have been involved in the management of Crown land reserves for over 150 years. 


Today, all committees appointed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 manage their reserve on behalf of the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and have responsibility and authority to manage, improve, maintain and control their reserve.

 

Types of Committees of Management

Committees of management can consist of locally elected or appointed citizens, a municipal council, statutory bodies or trustees. There are approximately:

  • 1,300 reserves managed by local committees of management
  • 2,800 reserves managed by municipal councils as committees of management
  • 3,000 reserves managed by statutory bodies or government agencies.

 

Committees of Management Responsibilities

As well as meeting its obligations under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the committee is also bound by the laws that govern the wider community on matters such as employment, taxation, contracts, tenancy, licensing, and providing services.

The powers given under the Act enable the committee to:

  • manage and develop the reserve
  • undertake financial transactions, including borrowing money (with the Victorian Treasurer’s consent) and entering contracts
  • enter tenure arrangements, such as leasing and licensing, for part or all of the reserve, subject to Minister’s approval
  • employ people
  • enforce regulations.